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Dan Graziano
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Jeremy Fowler
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Jeremy Fowler
senior NFL national reporter
- ESPN staff writer
- Former college football reporter for CBSSports.com
- Graduate of the University of Florida
The arrival of Week 3 in the 2024 NFL season has prompted league insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano to provide insights on the most pressing questions, emerging news, and noteworthy discussions as we head into the upcoming games. They also analyze which players should be included or omitted from your fantasy football rosters.
What quarterback situations have caught fans off guard in the first two weeks? What insights do we have on the Steelers’ quarterback strategy moving forward and Aaron Rodgers’ early performances with the Jets? Who are the standout rookies? Dan and Jeremy address these significant queries and share their reporting insights as we approach Week 3.
Jump to:
Steelers QBs | Surprising QB situations
Rodgers’ start | Impressive rookies
Fantasy tips | Latest buzz
What updates do you have on the Steelers’ quarterback situation?
Graziano: I spoke to some sources on Monday, and they expressed satisfaction with Justin Fields’ development. They believe he has performed well in the past games, following the game plan effectively. They feel capable of having scored more against Denver but were hampered by penalties. Fields’ supporting cast is quite young, and they are limited at the wide receiver position—mainly relying on George Pickens, who is still growing as a player. However, they are pleased with the performance of their young offensive linemen and tight ends, along with their sturdy defense.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced on Tuesday that Russell Wilson has not yet been cleared for full practice, suggesting that Fields will start again in the upcoming home game against the Chargers. As long as the Steelers continue to win and believe Fields is making progress with sound decisions, they are likely to stick with the current arrangement. However, it’s important to note that discussions regarding Wilson’s status won’t gain traction until he is healthy enough to return from his calf injury.
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Fowler: Indeed, Dan, it appears that Wilson’s recovery is not progressing at the pace needed for him to contend for playing time right now. In recent weeks, Wilson has mentioned the importance of being cautious and playing the long game with respect to his calf injury, which is prone to re-injury if not properly managed.
fully healthy. However, the issue lies in the fact that the Steelers continue to win without him, primarily relying on their defense and ball control. If Pittsburgh can begin the season with a 3-0 record while Fields is under center, it would become challenging to bench him at that stage. Yet, Pittsburgh has managed to secure only one touchdown in 21 drives, which is hardly a viable offensive strategy.
I might be in the minority here, but from the conversations I’ve had with people both inside and outside the organization, I sense that Wilson’s enhanced command of the offense could earn him another opportunity once he’s ready. His presence might revitalize the middle of the field, an area largely neglected by the Steelers in the first two weeks. Nevertheless, Fields currently exhibits superior mobility and is a more explosive playmaker. Which quarterback, in your opinion, offers Pittsburgh the highest potential ceiling at this moment, Dan?
Graziano: That’s a valid point regarding the middle of the field. I understand they deliberately avoided it in Week 1 due to Falcons safety Jessie Bates III. Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who coached Bates in Atlanta last season, acknowledged this publicly last week. However, Denver doesn’t instill the same level of fear, so it’s worth questioning whether it’s merely about what they’re comfortable executing with Fields. Pittsburgh’s passing options are primarily limited to running backs and tight ends if defenses focus on Pickens. What evidence suggests that Wilson will enhance their ability to utilize the middle of the field? That has also been a vulnerability for him, even during his peak performance periods.
Ideally, Fields will develop into the quarterback he wasn’t able to become while in Chicago, leading the team to retain him as the player with higher potential. Should this occur, I would argue that Fields provides a better opportunity to secure victories. However, there’s certainly a scenario where Fields struggles or regresses. In that case, a conservative team capable of winning low-scoring games with strong defense might be tempted to revert to the more seasoned veteran option. One thing is clear: this discussion will likely continue for some time.
Fowler: Absolutely. The bottom line is this: If Fields achieves a 3-0 record, I can’t envision a situation where Tomlin would promptly switch to Wilson, particularly given Wilson’s lack of practice reps since late July. Yet, I also can’t foresee a scenario where Wilson remains entirely sidelined this season either. You’re right—this will stand out as one of the most intriguing narratives in the NFL throughout the year.
What is the most surprising quarterback situation through two weeks?
Fowler: Trevor Lawrence of the Jaguars needs to perform up to his expectations, and he hasn’t been doing so for quite some time. Sunday’s defeat against Cleveland mirrored last season, featuring four trips to the red zone and just one touchdown to show for it. He missed open touchdown opportunities, whether due to slightly inaccurate throws or premature exits from the pocket. Lawrence candidly expressed his feelings postgame, stating, “We suck right now,” and adding that he was “pretty shocked, to be honest.”
He now holds the record for the longest active losing streak among quarterbacks at seven games. The Jaguars have built their roster around Lawrence, who signed a five-year, $275 million deal this offseason. Given his credentials, he should perform significantly better than this, and his impressive showing in the 2022 season demonstrated his capacity for improvement. This needs to change quickly.
Graziano: Additionally, their next two games are set to take place on the road against Buffalo and Houston. This could escalate quickly for a team that’s lost seven of its last eight games since starting last season with an 8-3 record. (I almost forgot that one win involved a game C.J. Beathard started against Carolina. Poor Carolina.) If you’re a quarterback selected as the No. 1 overall pick since 2020 (just ask Joe Burrow, Bryce Young, and Caleb Williams), it’s certainly not been a stellar start. Unless something shifts in Jacksonville, this could become a focal point for potential changes by the end of the season.
However, let’s pivot towards a more positive note. I want to highlight Derek Carr, who leads the league with a QBR of 96.2 over the first two weeks. The New Orleans Saints are shaping up to be a surprising early candidate for my personal Hall of Fame of Things I’ve Misjudged in My Life. I anticipated this offense would struggle behind a questionable offensive line, yet it’s performing remarkably well. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has implemented a system that proved too challenging for both the Panthers (not surprisingly; those poor Panthers) and the Cowboys (quite
Derek Carr’s performance has been quite surprising and is currently the topic of conversation throughout the league. The Saints have racked up an impressive 91 points in just two games, and Carr is celebrating in the end zone.
Only last month during preseason, there were speculations about Carr potentially being benched in favor of Spencer Rattler this season. This underscores my belief that preseason assessments often need to be taken with caution. However, it is fair to say that such discussions have recently diminished.
2:33
Is Derek Carr this generation’s ‘Dan Orlovsky?’
Pat McAfee’s team has been having fun at Dan Orlovsky’s expense while discussing Saints QB Derek Carr.
Fowler: Carr is starting to position himself back into the discussion of top-10 quarterbacks. A few years ago, he was just on the verge of that status before slipping out of it, but now he’s full of confidence and has a strong supporting cast to help him succeed, at least for the moment. Additionally, we should discuss Geno Smith from Seattle. He showcased a number of remarkable throws against New England and appears quite comfortable in the new offense designed by coordinator Ryan Grubb. With a wealth of playmakers at his disposal, I view his performance in these first two games as a promising sign for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield has transitioned from being a prove-it quarterback to establishing himself as a proof of concept in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are looking legitimate.
Graziano: Actually, I didn’t include Geno because I’m not surprised. He performed well during his first two seasons as Seattle’s starting quarterback, so I anticipated he would continue that trend in his third year. However, he deserves acknowledgment since not enough people recognize the player he has evolved into. It’s a great storyline.
I’m a bit surprised by the rough start for Jared Goff of Detroit. Presently, he stands at 25th in the league in QBR (37.4), with one touchdown and three interceptions. He has attempted more passes (83) than anyone, yet only manages a completion rate of 62.7%. Perhaps your point about the Buccaneers being a serious contender is relevant here, particularly regarding Week 2. I still believe in the Lions and think Goff will find his rhythm soon. Nonetheless, his early struggles are unexpected.
What insights are circulating around the league regarding Aaron Rodgers’ initial games and the Jets’ quarterback future?
Graziano: There’s talk that he can still precisely place the ball where he aims, and he has infused the offense with a swagger that was absent last season. People acknowledge that he may not be very mobile and will not rack up huge stats, but when a critical throw is required, the Jets can expect him to deliver it. While that may sound straightforward, such reliability was lacking last year’s team and could be significant enough to propel the Jets into the postseason.
Fowler: The general consensus is that he has played reasonably well and can still throw the ball among the game’s elite, but it’s not quite the elite Rodgers we’ve come to know. “He’s more of a point guard distributing the ball at this stage,” noted an experienced AFC personnel director. “He’s not the magician he once was.” This is to be expected from a 40-year-old player recovering from an Achilles injury. Historically, Rodgers’ success often stems from his pocket movement, throws while on the run, and exceptional footwork.
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During the preseason, questions arose regarding Rodgers’ ability to perform as a star-level quarterback without the mobility he once had. However, as noted by one NFL scout, he managed to move just enough to deliver clean throws on Sunday against Tennessee. While he wasn’t overly agile, he also wasn’t completely immobile. “He made some significant throws late in the game,” the scout remarked. “Without those, the Jets wouldn’t have secured the victory. Considering he hasn’t been in a real game for a while, he’s performed quite well.”
Graziano: Regarding the Jets’ quarterback future, it doesn’t seem to be a significant concern for them or anyone else at this moment. Rodgers might choose to retire after the current season or could opt to return in 2025. Much of this decision will likely depend on how the remainder of the season unfolds, which also affects future plans. The Jets have taken a calculated risk by selecting injured Florida State QB Jordan Travis in the fifth round, but it’s still too early to ascertain his potential impact. If the season goes awry and they find themselves with a high draft pick, I suspect they will address the quarterback position. Conversely, if Rodgers helps them reach the Super Bowl, they may not be overly concerned about his successor or the timeline for that transition.
Fowler: The Jets have spent nearly 40 years preoccupied with their quarterback future. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the present circumstances. They possess a strong roster and a quarterback who remains elite, despite his age and injury worries. With two years left on his contract and manageable cap hits of $17.1 million and $23.5 million, respectively, the Jets have room to build around him. Furthermore, they have a capable backup in Tyrod Taylor if Rodgers were to experience another injury. It’s time to embrace the current moment and save future concerns for later.
Who is the most impressive rookie through their first two games?
Fowler: Among several standout rookies, I would highlight Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. His potential for production was clear when I attended Raiders training camp in early August. He moves fluidly across the field, can line up in multiple positions, and exhibits excellent body control. If the 2024 draft were redone without positional considerations, Bowers would likely have been selected much earlier than his actual No. 13 overall pick. In Sunday’s victory over Baltimore, the synergy between Bowers and wide receiver Davante Adams was evident, as they combined for 208 yards on 21 targets (12 for Adams, nine for Bowers).
Additionally, Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has been extremely disruptive and warrants recognition. He is poised to be an impactful force throughout the season and could very well be in the running for a potential defensive player of the year nomination.
1:15
Why Brock Bowers could be a ‘league-winner’ in fantasy
Field Yates
Many are impressed by Brock Bowers’ impressive start in fantasy football this season.
Graziano: Excellent selections. I must highlight my preseason pick for defensive rookie of the year, Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter. He has made significant contributions to Houston’s defense and recorded his first career interception this past Sunday against the Bears. The Texans hold Lassiter, their second-round draft choice, in high regard, along with third-round safety Calen Bullock.
Fowler: Indeed, Houston continues to strengthen its already formidable roster by adding two solid first-year defensive backs to support cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and safety Jalen Pitre. Let’s also give credit to the Chargers, who faced criticism for not selecting a skill position player with the No. 5 pick. Nevertheless, offensive tackle Joe Alt has proven to be solid, reflecting Jim Harbaugh’s focus on toughness and a run-heavy strategy. Additionally, a pair of third-round picks have started to make an impact — Giants corner Dru Phillips and 49ers guard Dominick Puni.
Graziano: Offensively, it was thrilling to witness the performance of Arizona wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. on Sunday following a disappointing Week 1. I believe the Cardinals’ offense will be challenging for defenses all season long, with Harrison playing a pivotal role. Reflecting on Week 2, it was a remarkable week for rookie wide receivers, especially with Harrison and the Giants’ Malik Nabers shining. Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr. has also performed well in limited action and is expected to become a more significant part of the Jaguars’ offense in the upcoming weeks.
What’s your top fantasy football tip of the week?
Fowler: Start Cardinals running back James Conner and stick with him. Although Conner was ranked as the RB19 in ESPN’s preseason fantasy projections, his performance justifies a consistent place in lineups. His 122 rushing yards against the Rams on Sunday marked his fourth 100-yard game in the last seven outings, dating back to late last season. He has also tallied seven rushing touchdowns during this stretch. Arizona is dedicated to establishing a strong rushing attack. This is an obvious recommendation, but it’s worth reiterating.
Graziano: Hold onto Raiders running back Zamir White for one more week before trading him after he exploits the weak Carolina defense. The Panthers have surrendered 381 rushing yards and three touchdowns to running backs across two games this season. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is determined to develop a reliable running game, and the team still considers White the most likely candidate to rise as their primary back. Although the Raiders’ rushing attack has struggled this season, if there’s ever a chance to turn things around, this is it.
What else are you hearing this week?
Graziano:
• Ongoing conversations about Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa’s future have intensified after his latest concussion and subsequent placement on injured reserve. This past weekend, it was reported that the Dolphins have secured $49.3 million worth of insurance on Tagovailoa’s $212.4 million contract. I can confirm this information based on the contract copy I obtained. This policy would come into effect if Tagovailoa is not medically cleared to return and would help mitigate the remaining $124 million in injury-guaranteed funds the Dolphins would owe if he cannot return to play.
Specifically, if Tagovailoa were to sustain a career-ending injury before the 2025 offseason program, the Dolphins would have insurance coverage of $30 million from his $42 million signing bonus, $10 million of his 2025 salary, and $9.3 million of his 2026 salary. The insurance amount diminishes if the injury occurs in later years, accounting for the time elapsed since the signing bonus. However, we are discussing a hypothetical scenario whereby he is not cleared after his most recent concussion suffered last Thursday. (It’s possible that the insurance policy may contain exclusions related to concussions, which could complicate this situation, though none are noted in the contract.)
What’s particularly illuminating is how this figure compares to other recently signed quarterback contracts. For example, the Jaguars secured $74,999,993 million in insurance on Trevor Lawrence’s $275 million contract, which covers his entire signing bonus, all his 2025 compensation, and a portion of his 2026 compensation. The Cowboys obtained $87.1 million in insurance for Dak Prescott’s $240 million contract. The Bengals managed to acquire…
$59.5 million in insurance for Joe Burrow’s $275 million contract indicates a disparity that likely stems from the insurance company’s evaluation of risk, particularly taking into account Tagovailoa’s previous injuries (and, to be fair, Burrow’s as well).
While ideally, such matters would not come into play, I have received numerous inquiries about the possible financial consequences for the Dolphins if Tagovailoa is unable to continue playing. Therefore, I am sharing some insights from my research.
1:20
Kimes: Dolphins in tricky situation with Tua’s future
Mina Kimes discusses the potential implications of Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion on the Dolphins’ future strategies.
• Watch for potential developments regarding Haason Reddick and the Jets this weekend and into early next week. Reddick has yet to report, waiting for the team to extend his contract. Both parties remain steadfast in their positions—Reddick will not show up without a new deal, while the Jets won’t negotiate until he does. However, with Jermaine Johnson’s season-ending injury thinning the depth at edge rusher, the Jets recognize the urgency of addressing this position.
Given the quick turnaround for the Jets’ upcoming Thursday night game against the Patriots, no immediate changes were likely this week. However, they realize the necessity of enhancing their pass rush, and resolving the Reddick situation appears to be the most straightforward approach. Should there be no resolution next week, league insiders suggest that the Jets may end up needing to trade Reddick before the trade deadline.
• The Cowboys acknowledge their run game needs improvement and are actively working on it. They have been pleased with Dalvin Cook’s performance since signing him to the practice squad and have not dismissed the possibility of activating him if the tandem of Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle fails to produce. While this activation may not happen this week, if they struggle against the Ravens on Sunday, expect Cook to be in consideration.
• Shifting focus to running backs in Texas, as of Tuesday evening, it seems the Texans do not anticipate Joe Mixon’s ankle injury to be season-ending. Although Mixon may miss a game or two, encouraging results from initial tests suggest it won’t be a long-term issue. His practice participation this week will help establish a clearer timeline. If Mixon is sidelined, expect Cam Akers to step up.
The Texans had pursued free agent running back Saquon Barkley last offseason for added explosiveness in their run game and have been satisfied with Mixon’s integration into their scheme. Although he may not possess the explosive qualities they hoped for with Barkley, he has demonstrated the ability to fulfill a No. 1 back role and sustain drives. His absence would be felt if he has to miss extended time.
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• While the Saints’ offense garners much attention, keep an eye on Chase Young, the former No. 2 overall draft pick. He has impressed coaches with his performance during training camp and the early season. After two games, Carl Granderson is the only Saints defensive end who has logged more snaps than Young. Young faced health challenges during his tenure in Washington and had an unproductive season following his trade to San Francisco. After signing with the Saints in March, he underwent neck surgery. However, he is still young and has significant potential ahead of him.
At 25 years old, he is eager to have a standout season and secure a lucrative contract as a free agent next spring.
Fowler:
• The Panthers created a stir in the league by benching Bryce Young. After conducting some inquiries, here’s what I found out about the situation. Young was not only surprised by the decision but also quite upset. “He’s pissed,” a source revealed. This reaction is understandable considering the swift decision. However, the rationale behind it goes beyond his lackluster performance over two games. The Panthers observed a hesitant quarterback whose confidence appeared to be shaken. Frustration among the receivers was growing. Consequently, the Panthers had to consider whether they could afford to wait for Young’s confidence to bounce back or if the ongoing struggles of the offense would jeopardize team morale.
Currently, the locker room remains supportive of coach Dave Canales and his new coaching staff, making it crucial to choose the best option for the players. Carolina’s defense has not maintained the same level as in previous years and is viewed as significantly less talented, thereby putting more pressure on the offense. At this point, Andy Dalton presented a more viable choice. Players have been observing this throughout spring practices up to now, and they are aware of who deserves to be on the field. Dalton brings the veteran leadership that Carolina feels is essential at this time. Although the offense lacks an abundance of talent, the Panthers believe their receivers are at least getting open to meet NFL standards, and Dalton is capable of connecting with them.
Young is not known for being fiery. While his poise was regarded as an asset coming out of Alabama and could still serve him well, his calm approach might be interpreted by some as a lack of urgency—an aspect that can be challenging for a young team still finding its identity. This led Carolina to a well-known adage in sports: it’s better to make decisions that are inevitable sooner rather than later. The Panthers could not afford to experience growing pains at this juncture.
1:55
Mel Kiper blames the Carolina organization for ‘mishandling’ Bryce Young
Mel Kiper Jr. criticizes the Panthers’ organization and ownership for their mismanagement of Bryce Young since his career began last season.
I don’t sense any immediate plans from Carolina to trade him. Typically, benchings do not lead to beneficial second chances for players in that role, but Young has now taken on the role of a developmental quarterback. Dalton, now 36, has shown durability throughout his career but has also dealt with various injuries. In the short term, I anticipate the Panthers will work to help Young regain his confidence should Dalton struggle or sustain an injury. Currently, Young is No. 2 on the depth chart, with no one else behind him. Carolina believes he possesses enough talent to excel in the NFL. Early indications for 2024 have been encouraging, showcasing his ability to execute plays off play-action in the spring, assimilating the offensive concepts, and demonstrating the maturity to make simple completions when available.
Nevertheless, the underlying issues that led to his benching, which have simmered for some time, may pose challenges for both sides to coexist in the future, depending on how Young enhances his game behind the scenes.
• The Saints’ explosive offensive start can be attributed to several key strategies implemented by new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and head coach Dennis Allen during the offseason. New Orleans aimed to reset—essentially liberate—Derek Carr. Carr had become overwhelmed by the complexities of the former scheme, which had only grown more intricate over the years under Drew Brees. Allen sought to simplify Carr’s decisions at the line of scrimmage, enabling him to assess the defense and make confident throws downfield. More frequent play-action has contributed to this improvement. Under Kubiak’s guidance, the Saints have moved from 32nd to first in play-action rate.
This is where running back Alvin Kamara enters the picture. Kubiak transitioned from San Francisco, where Christian McCaffrey significantly influenced Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. The Saints believed Kamara, with his exceptional balance and versatility, could serve as a similar driving force. Although New Orleans did not extend Kamara’s contract this offseason to his liking, his five touchdowns through two games position him well for when those negotiations resume.
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• The positive takeaway for Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is that his fibula fracture isn’t serious enough to end his season. He fully intends to return to play in 2024 and with a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks, he’s targeting a comeback midseason or shortly thereafter. Pacheco felt he was hitting his stride as the starting back, accumulating 133 carries across his last seven games dating back to late last season. He aims to reclaim that role for Kansas City later this year.
In the meantime, the Chiefs will address Pacheco’s absence with a committee approach. The signing of Kareem Hunt on Tuesday, the 2017 rushing champion from his rookie year in Kansas City, adds another option in the backfield alongside Carson Steele and Samaje Perine. Having put in significant work during the past few months, Hunt could see action sooner rather than later. This marks the second year in a row that he has joined a familiar team after the start of the regular season due to backfield injuries, first with the Browns last season and now the Chiefs. Additionally, Hunt is well-acquainted with Andy Reid’s offensive system.
Week 3 NFL Insights: Quarterback Controversies, Rookie Standouts, and Fantasy Football Strategies
Quarterback Controversies Heating Up
As we enter Week 3 of the NFL season, several teams are grappling with quarterback controversies that could impact their performance moving forward. These situations provide fascinating insights into team dynamics and the NFL landscape.
Top Quarterback Controversies
- San Francisco 49ers: The emergence of Brock Purdy as a starter has brought questions about Trey Lance’s future with the team. Will Purdy maintain his momentum?
- New York Jets: With Aaron Rodgers sidelined, Zach Wilson has stepped up. Can he secure his position as a reliable starter, or will the Jets look elsewhere?
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett has struggled early on, leading to speculation about a potential benching for Mitch Trubisky. What will Coach Mike Tomlin decide?
Rookie Standouts: The Next Generation of NFL Stars
This season has introduced several rookie quarterbacks and skill position players who have already made their mark. Here are some notable performances from Week 3 that fantasy football managers should pay attention to:
Notable Rookie Performances
| Player | Team | Position | Week 3 Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Richardson | Indianapolis Colts | QB | 250 Pass Yards, 2 TDs, 40 Rush Yards |
| Bijan Robinson | Atlanta Falcons | RB | 85 Rush Yards, 60 Rec Yards, 1 TD |
| Jordan Addison | Minnesota Vikings | WR | 90 Rec Yards, 1 TD |
These rookies not only provide immediate value to their respective teams but also serve as potential game-changers for fantasy football players.
Fantasy Football Strategies for Week 3
With the NFL season well underway, now is the perfect time to reassess your fantasy football strategies. Here are some tips to maximize your chances of success:
Waiver Wire Gems
- Wide Receivers: Look for players like Rashid Shaheed and Tank Dell who have shown explosive potential but may be available on your waiver wire.
- Quarterbacks: If you’re in need of a QB, consider picking up Mac Jones or Josh Dobbs, both of whom have favorable matchups ahead.
Start and Sit Recommendations
Making the right start/sit decisions can make or break your week. Here are some recommendations based on recent performances and upcoming matchups:
| Position | Start | Sit |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Justin Fields (Bears) | Russell Wilson (Broncos) |
| RB | David Montgomery (Lions) | Javonte Williams (Broncos) |
| WR | Tyler Lockett (Seahawks) | Michael Pittman Jr. (Colts) |
Trade Strategies
- Consider trading high-performing players who may have inflated value.
- Target teams in need of depth to acquire underperforming stars who could bounce back.
Case Studies: Players to Watch
Examining specific players can provide deeper insights into the trends of the NFL season. Below are a couple of players worth monitoring closely:
Case Study 1: Tua Tagovailoa
Tua has been a revelation this season, showcasing both accuracy and deep-ball prowess. With a high-powered offense around him, he is a must-start in fantasy leagues. His performance in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills will be critical for his MVP candidacy.
Case Study 2: C.J. Stroud
Stroud has shown flashes of brilliance as he acclimates to the professional game. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions makes him a QB to watch for the remainder of the season, especially as he develops chemistry with his receivers.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Fantasy Players
Staying informed about player performances and trends is crucial for fantasy football success. Here are some benefits and practical tips to keep you ahead of the competition:
- Stay Updated: Follow NFL news, injury reports, and player performances weekly to make informed decisions.
- Analyze Matchups: Consider weekly matchups when setting your lineups. Some players thrive against specific defenses.
- Join Fantasy Communities: Engage with other fantasy football players through forums and social media to exchange insights and strategies.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Seasoned Players
Many seasoned fantasy players emphasize the importance of adaptability. Here are some insights based on their experiences:
- Stay Flexible: Injuries and underperforming players happen. Always have backup plans and ready-to-activate players on your roster.
- Look Ahead: Planning for the upcoming weeks is essential. Bye weeks and tough matchups can sneak up on you.
As the NFL season progresses, staying informed about these quarterback controversies, rookie standouts, and fantasy strategies will help you navigate your fantasy football league with confidence.
